Knight's Gas Leak Prevention Measure Becomes Law

Press Release

A bill by Representative Steve Knight (CA-25) that aimed at preventing future leaks at natural gas storage facilities was signed into law today.

In February Rep. Knight introduced H.R. 4429, the Natural Gas Leak Prevention Act, which would require the Secretary of Transportation to issue adequate safety standards for underground natural gas storage facilities. This legislation will prevent gas leaks similar to the one that occurred near Porter Ranch last October, which forced many residents from their schools, businesses and homes. The language in Knight's measure was included in S. 2276, the PIPES Act, a bill by Senator Deb Fischer (NE) that would reauthorize national pipeline safety programs that become law this week.

"I saw firsthand the pain that families in Porter Ranch went through during the gas leak, and I want to ensure that such suffering doesn't happen in the future," said Rep. Knight. "This law will go a long way to protect communities across the country from that type of disaster."

Wednesday's victory is the product of a long series of actions taken by Knight to address safety issues at underground natural gas storage facilities like Aliso Canyon in Porter Ranch and Honor Rancho in Valencia. Prior to introducing H.R. 4429, he testified in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railways, Pipelines and Hazardous Material on behalf of the residents of Porter Ranch about the need to create safety standards to prevent future gas leaks.

In March Knight hosted Rep. Jeff Denham, Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railways, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials, for a tour of the Aliso Canyon facility to provide him with first-hand information and perspective about the site so that the causes of the leak can be properly addressed by Congress.

"I am pleased and proud that this historic effort to increase safety at natural gas storage facilities was signed into law today," continued Knight. "I applaud my colleagues in Congress and the President on supporting this crucial measure."

The PIPES Act, along with Knight's natural gas storage safety measure, passed the House earlier this month floor with unanimous, bipartisan support. They were signed President Wednesday afternoon.

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